Pakistan Takes Control on Day One of Test Against South Africa

Lahore, Pakistan — The opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium was marked by loud cheers, reflecting a strong day for the home team. Pakistan secured a crucial 1-0 lead in the series after a solid batting performance.

The excitement peaked when Pakistan captain Shan Masood was dismissed, prompting a rowdy reaction from the crowd. South Africa’s Simon Harmer, the lead spinner, remarked later, “I had a good chuckle at that,” acknowledging the Pakistan captain’s earlier resilience amidst his team’s early struggles.

Masood’s partnership with Imam-ul-Haq saw them post 161 runs for the second wicket, stabilizing Pakistan after the dismissal of Abdullah Shafique in the first over. The day showcased how Pakistan aims to gather runs swiftly, especially on a pitch that is expected to deteriorate as the match progresses.

Masood set the tone for the innings with aggressive batting, scoring boundaries early. By the tenth over, Pakistan had amassed 51 runs, a significant improvement compared to their pace in recent T20 matches.

Imam, praised for his patience, noted the differences in his approach against pace and spin bowlers. He stated, “I got balls I could attack against the fast bowlers. When the spinners came on, I didn’t find as many deliveries to attack.” This adaptability under pressure allowed Pakistan to build a strong foundation.

The historical context of day-one partnerships emphasized the significance of their batting, with Pakistan’s previous encounters on spin-friendly pitches resulting in victories for the team batting first.

As the day progressed, Harmer noted the strategic importance of winning the toss, stating, “The best batting conditions are in the first session. They got the luck of the draw with the toss, and they maxed them out.” However, as the innings went on, the crowd anticipated seeing star player Babar Azam, who fell victim to Harmer’s bowling in a crucial moment.

Despite Masood and Imam falling short of hundreds, their contributions were vital. The day concluded with Rizwan remaining unbeaten, solidifying Pakistan’s lead as they aim for a team-oriented victory, reflecting a shift in focus from individual accolades to collective success.